It’s swimsuit season, and while we believe every body is a bikini body, summertime is a great time to commit to treating your body well while building muscle. In this blog post, we’ll talk about how to banish the barriers to weight loss and achieve your desired summer silhouette.
Barriers to weight loss during the summertime
Hollywood depicts summer with toned swimsuit-clad bodies bouncing along the beach (we’re looking at you, Baywatch). In reality, hot weather is responsible for weather-related fatigue, water retention, and a host of social activities that destroy your sleep and meal schedule.
All hope isn’t lost, though! Hot weather can act as a natural appetite suppressant, and summertime activities can help you burn calories and have fun at the same time.
Follow the tips in the article to break down these barriers and stimulate your summertime slim-down without excessive dieting or calorie counting.
Easy ways to start your summer weight loss journey
Steer clear of sugary drinks
When the temperature rises, dehydration is a real risk. Instead of sipping on a soft drink, opt for water instead. You wouldn’t dream of adding 16 teaspoons of sugar to your morning coffee, would you? But that’s exactly how much sugar is in a single can of Coke. The hidden sugars you drink can wreck your summer weight loss plans.
It may seem counterintuitive, but drinking water is the best way to avoid water retention. If plain water doesn’t quench your thirst, add a slice of citrus or a squeeze of MiO Liquid Water Enhancer for a sugar-free, calorie-free punch of flavor.
Slim down by sleeping
Sleep deprivation doesn’t just increase your daily yawn count. It can also affect your appetite. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information, there’s a link between sleep deprivation and obesity, likely caused by a decrease in “activity in appetitive evaluation regions within the human frontal cortex.” Simply stated, a sleepy person is far likelier to choose unhealthy foods over a person who gets a full night’s sleep.
Make smart snack choices
Summertime routines are easy to make and difficult to break. If you’ve settled into a pattern of reaching for an afternoon ice cream every day, you may notice the effects of your new habit on how your clothes fit. Trade your snacks packed with refined sugar for something a little more natural. Check out our three favorite sweet summertime snacks (without all the sugar) here.
Take your workout indoors
Spring and fall are a fitness fiend’s favorite seasons. With mild temperatures, it’s easy to squeeze in a run or bike ride any time of day without fear of overheating. During summer, there’s a 15-minute window after the sun rises and sets that is conducive to outdoor exercise. If you miss that window, it feels like you’re jogging inside a furnace.
Swap the great outdoors for the air-conditioned indoors during the hottest season of the year. Enhancewell Fitness offers private sessions for personalized support on your fitness goals and four different Pilates-inspired group classes to get strong and toned with the support of a community. Sign up now and start your summer weight-loss journey with Enhancewell Fitness!
